Protective cover for remote control devices

ABSTRACT

A protective cover for remote control devices used for remotely operating televisions, VCR&#39;s, and music systems. The protective cover includes a thin, flexible main cover which is formed in a folded, elongate U-shaped configuration, interconnected at opposite pairs of longitudinal edges by a pair of flexible, expandable side panels. The main cover includes a transparent front through which the push buttons are visible and operable, a transparent top disposable adjacent the emitter cover through which the emitter of the remote control device can luminesce, a bottom panel, and a back panel. The remote control device is insertable into and removable from the protective cover using an extension of the top which forms a flap which is overlappable about a portion of the back of the protective cover to retain the remote control device, and secured using mating patches of a hook and loop fastener. Other versions of the protective cover do not utilize a flap, but rather include a zipper which is mounted to slit side zipper or back of the remote control device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field

[0002] The present invention relates to covering structures, and moreparticularly to protective covers for electronic devices such as remotecontrol devices used with televisions, VCR's, and stereo musicequipment.

[0003] 2. State of the Art

[0004] Remote control devices to control electronic appliances such astelevisions, VCR's, and stereo music systems have become increasinglypopular in recent years. The use of a remote control device permits theuser of the particular appliance to remain in a comfortable position onthe couch, in a lounge chair, in bed, or even on the floor and operatethe appliance. Such remote control devices include a casing throughwhich a plurality of push buttons extend. The user depresses andreleases the specific push buttons which control the function which isdesired to be controlled. The remote control device sends a codedinfrared signal indicative of the instructions desired by the user viaan infrared diode or emitter which is located behind a tinted,transparent emitter cover disposed at the front end of the remotecontrol device. A corresponding infrared light sensor of the appliancesenses the signal, which is decoded by the appliance and the decodedinstructions are executed.

[0005] A major problem with remote control devices is theirvulnerability to damage due liquids which can short out the electronicscontained within the casing. While some remote control devices aredesigned to be resistant to liquids, the majority are not. This isspecially true in the age of an ever growing number of persons which eatand drink while using their remote control device. An equally bigproblem is damage caused by dropping the remote control device. Suchshock can break the casing and the electronics are also vulnerable suchas by breaking electrical connections.

[0006] There is a need for a protective cover specifically designed forremote control devices which protects them from damage due to fluids andshock.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a protective cover for remote controldevices. The remote control devices are of the type having a casing witha transparent emitter cover and a plurality of push buttons which extendthrough the casing. The push buttons are used to manually control thefunctions of the remote control device and signal an emitter of theremote control device which sends commands via a non-visible, infraredlight which shines through an emitter cover to signal a device to beremotely controlled such as a television as to the desired commands. Theprotective cover comprises a thin, flexible main cover having atransparent front panel, and a pair of flexible side panels. The maincover is disposed in a folded, generally elongate U-shaped configurationto form a transparent front through which the push buttons are visibleand operable by depressing them, a transparent top end disposableadjacent the emitter cover through which the emitter can luminesce, abottom panel, and a back panel. Respective edges of the side panels areaffixed to pairs of opposing longitudinal edges of the main cover tocomprise respective opposite sides of the protective cover. The remotecontrol device is insertable into the protective cover and theprotective cover is closable therearound so as to be operable thereinwhile being protected by the protective cover.

THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The best mode presently contemplated for carrying out theinvention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodimentprotective cover according to the present invention as used with aremote control device for televisions;

[0010]FIG. 2, a rear elevational view of the first embodiment protectivecover and the remote control device;

[0011]FIG. 3, a side elevational view of the first embodiment protectivecover and the remote control device, but showing the flap of the coverin an open position;

[0012]FIG. 4, a front elevational view of a second embodiment protectivecover according to the present invention as used with the remote controldevice for televisions;

[0013]FIG. 5, a rear elevational view of the second embodimentprotective cover and the remote control device;

[0014]FIG. 6, a side elevational view of the second embodimentprotective cover and the remote control device showing the zipper whichextends around thre sides of the cover; and

[0015]FIG. 7, a rear elevational view of a third embodiment protectivecover and the remote control device which has a rear zipper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, therein is shown a first embodimentprotective cover, generally designated at 20, as used for protecting aremote control device 23 such as used for remotely controlling atelevision or a VCR (not shown).

[0017] The first embodiment protective cover 20 comprises a flexiblemain cover assembly 26 and a pair of side panels 29 which are allconnected together by a flexible circumferential edging 32. The maincover assembly 26 includes an elongate transparent panel 35 to which isaffixed an opaque padded back panel assembly 38 at a sewn seam 41, andan opaque closing tab 44 at a sewn seam 47. The back panel assembly 38includes respective inner and outer back panels 50 and 53 between whichis sandwiched a foam pad 56. The side panels 29 each include alongitudinal crease 59 formed therein which forms a V-shapedcross-section which can extend when under lateral tension. The maincover assembly 26 and the side panels 29 are joined together by theedging 32, which is folded over to form a flattened U-shape and sewntogether at a sewn circumferential edge seam 62. A hook pad 65 isaffixed to the closing tab 44 at a sewn circumferential seam 68, and amating loop pad 71 is affixed to the outer back panel 53 at a sewncircumferential seam 74. The hook pad 65 and the loop pad 71 arereleasibly interconnectable hook and loop connector pads such as knownunder the trade name VELCRO™. This forms the protective cover 20 with aclear front 77, an opaque back 80, opaque sides 83 and 86, a clearbottom 89, and a clear top 92. The remote control device 23 includes atapered casing 95 having a tinted transparent emitter cover 98, and aplurality of push buttons 101 which extend through the casing 95. Thepush buttons 101 control the functions of the remote control device 23which sends commands via an non-visible, infrared light (not shown)which shines through the emitter cover 98 to signal the television orVCR as to the desired commands. The remote control device 23 fits withinthe protective cover 20 by grasping the closing tab 44 and pullingoutwardly to remove the hook pad 65 affixed thereto from the mating looppad 71 affixed to the outer back panel 53. The remote control device 23is placed within the protective cover 20 with the push buttons 101juxtaposed the clear front 77 and the emitter cover 98 closely adjacentthe clear top closing tab 92. The closing tab 44 is then replaced suchthat the hook pad 65 and the mating loop pad 71 are re-engaged to retainthe remote control device 23 within the protective cover 104. Theinfrared light shines through the emitter cover 98 and the clear top 92.

[0018] A second embodiment protective cover 104 is shown in FIGS. 4-6,as used for protecting the remote control device 23. The protectivecover 104 comprises a flexible main cover assembly 107 and a flexiblezippered three-side panel 110, which are connected together by aflexible circumferential edging 113. The main cover assembly 107includes an elongate transparent panel 116 to which is affixed an opaquepadded back panel assembly 119 at a sewn seam 122. The back panelassembly 119 includes respective inner and outer back panels 125 and 128between which is sandwiched a foam pad 131. The three-side panel 110includes a longitudinal zipper 134 having a pair of interlockable tracks137 and 138, and a handled closure member 140, with a pair of closelyadjacent creases 143 and 146 formed therein which forms a modifiedV-shaped cross-section, having a flattened apex, which can extend whenunder lateral tension. The main cover assembly 107 and the three-sidepanel 110 are joined together by the edging 113, which is folded over toform a flattened U-shape and sewn together at a sewn circumferentialedge seam 149. This forms the protective cover 104 with a clear front152, an opaque back 155, opaque sides 158 and 161, a opaque bottom 164,and a clear top 167. The remote control device 23 fits within theprotective cover 104 by grasping the handled closure member 140 andunzipping the zipper 134. The remote control device 23 is placed withinthe protective cover 104 with the push buttons 101 juxtaposed the clearfront 152 and the emitter cover 98 closely adjacent the clear top 167.The zipper 134 is they re-zipped to retain the remote control device 23within the protective cover 104. The infrared light shines through theemitter cover 98 and the clear top 167.

[0019] A third embodiment protective cover 170 is shown in FIG. 7, asused for protecting the remote control device 23. The protective cover170 comprises a flexible main cover assembly 173 and a flexiblethree-side panel 176, which are connected together by a flexiblecircumferential edging 179. The main cover assembly 173 includes anelongate transparent panel 182 to which is affixed an opaque padded backpanel assembly 185 at a sewn seam 188. The back panel assembly 185includes respective split inner and outer back panels 191 and 194between which is sandwiched a split foam pad 197, and a longitudinalzipper 200 having a pair of interlockable tracks 203 and 204, and ahandled closure member 206. The zipper 200 is affixed to the inner andouter panels 191 and 194, and to the foam pad 197 at a pair of sewnseams 209 and 212. The three-side panel 176 includes a longitudinalcrease 215 formed therein which forms a V-shaped cross-section which canextend when under lateral tension. The main cover assembly 173 and thethree-side panel 176 are joined together by the edging 179, which isfolded over to form a flattened U-shape and sewn together at a sewncircumferential edge seam 218. This forms the protective cover 170 witha clear front 221, an opaque back 224, opaque sides 227 and 230, aopaque bottom 233, and a clear top 236. The remote control device 23fits within the protective cover 170 by grasping the handled closuremember 206 and unzipping the zipper 200. The remote control device 23 isplaced within the protective cover 170 with the push buttons 101juxtaposed the clear front 221 and the emitter cover 98 closely adjacentthe clear top 236. The zipper 200 is they re-zipped to retain the remotecontrol device 23 within the protective cover 170. The infrared lightshines through the emitter cover 98 and the clear top 236.

[0020] Many changes can be made to the protective cover while stayingwithin the same inventive concept. For example, the materials used forthe main cover assemblies, the side panels, the three-sided panels, andthe circumferential edging can be sheet plastic, woven cloth or plastic,plastic coated fabric, or any other suitable material, which can betreated with waterproofing materials if required. The foam pads can beany of the standard types including polyurethane foam of the open orclosed cell variety. While sewn seams are shown, heat sealing can beemployed, as well as adhesive sealing or any other such process suitablefor the particular materials.

[0021] Whereas this invention is here illustrated and described withreference to embodiments thereof presently contemplated as the best modeof carrying out such invention in actual practice, it is to beunderstood that various changes may be made in adapting the invention todifferent embodiments without departing from the broader inventiveconcepts disclosed herein and comprehended by the claims that follow.

I claim:
 1. A protective cover for a remote control device, the remotecontrol device being of the type having a casing with a transparentemitter cover, a plurality of push buttons which extend through thecasing to manually control the functions of the remote control device,and an emitter which sends commands via an non-visible, infrared lightwhich shines through an emitter cover to signal a device to be remotelycontrolled such as a television as to the desired commands, theprotective cover comprising: a thin, flexible main cover having atransparent front panel; a pair of flexible side panels; and whereinsaid main cover is disposed in a folded, generally elongate U-shapedconfiguration to form a transparent front through which the push buttonsare visible and operable by depressing them, a transparent top enddisposable adjacent the emitter cover through which the emitter canluminesce, a bottom panel, and a back panel, respective edges of saidside panels being affixed to pairs of opposing longitudinal edges ofsaid main cover to comprise respective opposite sides of the protectivecover, the remote control device being insertable into the protectivecover and the protective cover closable therearound so as to be operabletherein while being protected by the protective cover.
 2. The protectivecover according to claim 1, further comprising a foam pad connected tothe outer back panel which provides cushioning for the remote controldevice.
 3. The protective cover according to claim 2, further comprisingan inner back panel affixed to the outer back panel with the foam padsandwiched therebetween.
 4. The protective cover according to claim 3,wherein the side panels are expandable and contractible fit remotecontrol devices of differing thicknesses.
 5. The protective coveraccording to claim 4, wherein the respective side panels are expandableand contractible by each having formed therein at least onelongitudinally extending crease which forms respective of said sidepanels into a V-shaped cross-section and which can extend when underlateral tension.
 6. The protective cover according to claim 1, whereinside panels are expandable and contractible fit remote control devicesof differing thicknesses.
 7. The protective cover according to claim 6,wherein the respective side panels are expandable and contractible byeach having formed therein at least one longitudinally extending creasewhich forms respective of said side panels into a V-shaped cross-sectionand which can extend when under lateral tension.
 8. The protective coveraccording to claim 1, wherein the main cover assembly and the sidepanels are joined together by an edging which is folded over to form aflattened U-shape and affixed together at a sewn circumferential edgeseam.
 9. The protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the maincover includes an outer back panel which is opaque over most of itssurface area.
 10. The protective cover according to claim 9, wherein theside panels are opaque.
 11. The protective cover according to claim 9,wherein a bottom of the protective cover is transparent.
 12. Theprotective cover according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover isclosable by using an extension of the front panel forms a closable flapwhich is wrapable over the remote control device contained within theprotective cover and removably connectable to the outer back panel usinga closing device.
 13. The protective cover according to claim 12,wherein the closing device comprises respective mating patches of a hookand loop fastener, one of said patches being affixed to the closableflap and the other being affixed to the outer back panel.
 14. Theprotective cover according to claim 12, further comprising a foam padconnected to the outer back panel which provides cushioning for theremote control device.
 15. The protective cover according to claim 14,further comprising an inner back panel affixed to the outer back panelwith the foam pad sandwiched therebetween.
 16. The protective coveraccording to claim 12, wherein the side panels are expandable andcontractible fit remote control devices of differing thicknesses. 17.The protective cover according to claim 12, wherein the respective sidepanels are expandable and contractible by each having formed therein atleast one longitudinally extending crease which forms respective of saidside panels into a V-shaped cross-section and which can extend whenunder lateral tension.
 18. The protective cover according to claim 12,wherein the main cover includes an outer back panel which is opaque overmost of its surface area.
 19. The protective cover according to claim 1,wherein the protective cover is closable by using a zipper having a pairof interlockable tracks and a handled closure member, said zipper beingaffixed at a slit through at least one of the panels for inserting andremoving the remote control device therethrough.
 20. The protectivecover according to claim 19, wherein the panel having the slit to whichthe zipper is affixed is the outer back panel.
 21. The protective coveraccording to claim 20, further comprising a foam pad connected to theouter back panel which provides cushioning for the remote controldevice, and an inner back panel affixed to said outer back panel withsaid foam pad sandwiched therebetween.
 22. The protective coveraccording to claim 20, wherein the side panels are expandable andcontractible fit remote control devices of differing thicknesses. 23.The protective cover according to claim 19, further comprising athree-side panel which includes the pair of flexible side panels whichare interconnected by a bottom panel.
 24. The protective cover accordingto claim 23, wherein the panel having the slit to which the zipper isaffixed is the outer back panel.
 25. The protective cover according toclaim 24, further comprising a foam pad connected to the outer backpanel which provides cushioning for the remote control device, and aninner back panel affixed to said outer back panel with said foam padsandwiched therebetween, said
 26. The protective cover according toclaim 24, wherein the side panels are expandable and contractible fitremote control devices of differing thicknesses.
 27. The protectivecover according to claim 23, wherein the panel having the slit to whichthe zipper is affixed is the three-side panel.
 28. The protective coveraccording to claim 27, wherein the three-side panel has a longitudinallength, and wherein the slit and the zipper extend substantially alongan entirety of said longitudinal length.
 29. The protective coveraccording to claim 27, further comprising a foam pad connected to theouter back panel which provides cushioning for the remote controldevice.
 30. The protective cover according to claim 29, furthercomprising an inner back panel affixed to the outer back panel with thefoam pad sandwiched therebetween.
 31. The protective cover according toclaim 27, wherein the three-sided panel is expandable and contractiblefit remote control devices of differing thicknesses.
 32. The protectivecover according to claim 31, wherein the three-sided panel is expandableand contractible by having formed therein a pair of longitudinallyextending creases formed therein closely adjacent along opposite sidesof the zipper which forms said-three-sided panel into a modifiedV-shaped cross-section having a flattened apex which can extend whenunder lateral tension.
 33. The protective cover according to claim 19,wherein the main cover includes an outer back panel which is opaque overmost of its surface area.